Two police officers who arrested an organization involved in sexual exploitation known as the 'self-defense group' were promoted on the 10th.
The Korean National Police Agency held a promotion ceremony for the 'Telegram sexual exploitation self-defense group case' at the main office in Migeun-dong, Seodaemun District, Seoul, on the morning of the same day and appointed Sergeant Kang Gil-byeong and Officer Son Sae-gyeol as respectively, the rank of Inspector and Sergeant.
The newly promoted officers belong to Team 3 of the Cyber Investigation Division 2 of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency. They arrested Kim Nok-wan, the leader of the self-defense group, and 54 members of the organization by conducting undercover operations on social media platforms like Telegram, dismantling the group. They were particularly recognized for being the first in Korea to obtain and execute a search warrant against Telegram, receiving information related to the crime.
From May 2020 to January 2025, the self-defense group committed sadistic sexual exploitation crimes against 234 individuals, including the production and distribution of child sexual exploitation materials, child rape, and coercing the victims into committing forced sexual acts. Among the victims, there were as many as 159 teenagers.
A Korean National Police Agency official noted, "We have achieved a result that instills the awareness that crimes using secure messengers such as Telegram can also be apprehended through active international cooperation," and added, "We will continue to focus on cyber violence, including deepfake sexual crimes, to ensure that the public can feel safe and do our duty as the police."